Former Refugee Youth Perform FIDDLER ON THE ROOF at the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre

A production of the musical Fiddler on the Roof, performed by Our Lady of Hope Youth Choir, will take place in the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre at the Jewish Community Center on Wednesday, January 18, 6:30 p.m.

The performance is directed by The Our Lady of Hope Youth Choir director Jennifer Serniuk, a PhD graduate student in Educational Culture, Policy, and Society at the University at Buffalo, who began working with congregants five years ago. "We began with only 10 children and that group has since grown to more than 25 with youth ranging from third grade up to freshman year in college. The choir sings regularly at Sundaymass, community functions, and recently at the Cathedral for Bishop Malone the Chrism Mass during Catholic Holy Week," says Serniuk. "The ensemble is entirely made up of former refugee youth hailing from both camps and protracted urban settings. The ethnicities of the youth include Karen and Karenni from Burma and youth from Burundi, Togo, and Rwanda."

Fiddler on the Roof will be the choir's third musical endeavor following successful productions of Once on This Island and Godspell. "Most of these student are not offered musical theater in their public schools, so this has been a fantastic opportunity for our youth to learn more about performance art and specifically about other cultures," says Serniuk. "With the assistance of Mrs. Judith Olin we all have learned a great deal about Jewish history, culture, and most importantly about a different and strong faith community. We are excited to present this work to students at the High School for Jewish Studies and members of the community at the Jewish Community Center."

The performance of Fiddler on the Roof is a free community event and will take place in the Maxine and Robert Seller Theatre, home of the Jewish Repertory Theatre, located in the JCC at 2640 North Forest Road in Amherst, NY. For more information, contact 716-204-2255.